What is CMMC?
On October 15, 2024, the CMMC Final Rule (CFR 32) was officially published in the Federal Register. This rule is set to take effect on December 16, 2024, with contract implementation anticipated in early 2025.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework established by the Department of Defense (DoD) in 2019 to ensure that defense contractors adhere to cybersecurity standards specified in NIST SP 800-171. The main objective of CMMC is to safeguard sensitive data, including Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), while enhancing the security of the defense supply chain.
In the past, defense contractors could self-evaluate their compliance with DoD security standards. However, the CMMC mandates that most contractors now undergo independent assessments conducted by certified third-party organizations. These evaluations will be carried out by CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs), which are accredited and trained by Cyber AB, the official body overseeing CMMC certification.
It is important to understand that even though CMMC will be phased in over time, it does not necessarily follow that you have more time to achieve CMMC certification. Your organization, for example, could be far down the supply chain from a contractor subject to CMMC in Phase 1, in which case that contractor must flow down CMMC requirements to your organization at that time.
Organizations managing Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) are required to obtain CMMC certification at the level outlined in their contracts. This mandate extends beyond major Prime defense contractors to include subcontractors and smaller firms within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) supply chain. Cybercriminals frequently exploit these smaller organizations, perceiving them as weaker links in the security chain for accessing sensitive information. The Department of Defense seeks to enhance cybersecurity measures throughout the entire supply chain to address these risks, which is a fundamental goal of the CMMC initiative.
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) consists of three compliance levels, which are based on the nature of the information managed by your organization. To engage in defense contracts, your organization is required to meet the CMMC level outlined in your contract and complete the necessary assessments, as illustrated in the accompanying figure.
Level 1 is designated for organizations that manage Federal Contract Information (FCI). To achieve compliance, these organizations must adhere to the fundamental safeguarding measures specified in FAR 52.204-21. Additionally, they are required to conduct annual self-assessments to ensure they meet these compliance standards.
Level 2 targets organizations that deal with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Compliance at this level necessitates fulfilling the 110 security controls outlined in NIST SP 800-171. Organizations have two options; self-assessment that the 110 controls and policies have ben met or undergo third-party assessments, which are performed by accredited CMMC Third Party Assessment Organizations (C3PAOs) to verify adherence to the NIST SP 800-171 controls.
Level 3 is relevant for organizations that handle CUI and are at risk of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), which are sophisticated attacks often sponsored by state actors aimed at critical defense initiatives. To attain Level 3, organizations must comply with the 110 security controls from NIST SP 800-171, along with an additional 24 enhanced controls from NIST SP 800-172. Compliance assessments at this level are conducted every three years by the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC), which serves as the Department of Defense’s authoritative body on compliance matters.
Services include all documents required for DFARS/NIST 800-171 Compliance now!
To maintain your current compliance status, there are several CMMC/NIST 800-171 practices/controls that need to be monitored on a periodic basis. The following cost-effective services have been developed by LP3 specifically for small and medium businesses to meet these requirements:
How can LP3 Assist
Government contractors struggle because they are over thinking what it takes to be compliant. DON’T! What you need is an industry tested, cost-effective tool and the training to assist you through the process. NIST CMMC Compliance Starter Package for Federal Contractors $3,795.00 – CMMC Compliance Starter Package for Federal Contractors
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Sign up for a free 15-minute consultation with our compliance team – Schedule a 15-minute meeting
LP3 is trusted by many small and midsize defense contractors. Learn more about how LP3 can help you achieve CMMC Level 2 certification faster and more affordably.
